Tamara Casanova Suzuki

We are very excited to share the choice of our new settled Minister.

It is with great pleasure that the membership of Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation announces that we called Reverend Tamara Casanova Suzuki to be our settled minister on May 18th, 2014 with a vote of 99%. She joined us here at Live Oak on August 1st.

We chose Rev Tamara because she is a deeply collaborative, loving minister who has a strong background in Religious Education, social justice, solving conflicts and interfaith work.

She is a relatively new minister who finished her Master of Divinity summa cum laude from Claremont School of Theology in May 2011. She did her internship at MonteVista UU Congregation in Montclair, CA, obtained her preliminary fellowship with UUA in May 2012 and was ordained in June 2012. She has worked as an Associate minister at Pacific Unitarian Church in Palos Verdes for the past 2 years. Rev Tamara also holds a Master of Science degree in International Relations from Claremont. In addition she holds a Graduate Certificate in UU Studies from Starr King School for the Ministry. She was awarded an Outstanding Level of Performance for her first year of ministry by the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the UUA. Before entering Divinity school, Reverend Tamara was a very successful Director of Religious Education in our district for over 10 years.

Rev Tamara is married and has two grown children. She has more talents, skills and honors that you will come across as we get to know her.
Here is one small quote from her:

A UU congregation that is both a comfort for those in need and a gathering place for those who are ready to change both themselves and the world. As a minister, I seek to build connection and community within a congregation as we support and encourage each other through the ongoing changes of our lives. I also envision our work together as a positive force for change in our community and our world.